Building a new PC is exciting, but it needs an operating system to function. Windows 11 brings modern features and security to your computer, making it a popular choice for new builds. Getting it installed doesn’t have to be complicated.
To install Windows 11 on a new PC, you’ll need to create installation media using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, boot from this media, and follow the setup prompts. This process involves downloading the tool from Microsoft’s website, creating a bootable USB drive, entering your new PC’s BIOS to select the USB as the boot device, and then following the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
The installation takes about 30-60 minutes depending on your hardware. Once complete, you’ll need to activate Windows using a product key, which can be purchased separately if you don’t already have one. Microsoft makes this process straightforward with helpful prompts throughout the setup.
How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC
Installing Windows 11 on a new PC is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully, from preparing installation media to completing setup.
What You’ll Need
- A USB flash drive (at least 8 GB)
- Another working PC to create installation media
- A valid Windows 11 license or product key
- Internet connection (recommended)
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Ensure your PC meets Windows 11 minimum requirements:
- 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor with 2+ cores
- 4 GB RAM or more
- 64 GB storage or more
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
- TPM version 2.0
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x driver
- 720p display, 9” or larger
Step 2: Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB Drive
- On a working PC, go to the Microsoft Windows 11 Download page.
- Download the Media Creation Tool.
- Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
- Choose language, edition, and architecture (64-bit).
- Select USB flash drive and pick your USB device.
- The tool will download Windows 11 and create the bootable USB.
Step 3: Boot Your New PC from USB
- Insert the USB flash drive into your new PC.
- Power on the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during boot).
- Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Save settings and restart the PC.
Step 4: Start Windows 11 Installation
- When the PC boots from USB, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen.
- Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.
- Click Next and then Install Now.
Step 5: Enter Product Key or Skip
- Enter your Windows 11 product key if you have one.
- You can also click I don’t have a product key to proceed and activate later.
Step 6: Choose Installation Type
- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a clean install.
- If your drive is new, select the unallocated space and click Next.
- You can format partitions if needed (be cautious as this erases data).
Step 7: Wait for Installation to Complete
- Windows will copy files, install features, and restart several times.
- This may take 15-30 minutes depending on hardware.
Step 8: Set Up Windows 11
- Follow on-screen prompts to configure:
- Region and keyboard layout
- Network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- Microsoft account sign-in or local account setup
- Privacy settings and preferences
Step 9: Install Drivers and Updates
- Once on the desktop, connect to the internet.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates.
- Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers if needed.
Tips for a Smooth Installation
- Use a wired Ethernet connection for faster updates.
- Have your Microsoft account credentials handy.
- Backup any important data before formatting drives.
- If installation fails, check BIOS settings for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled.
Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check Requirements | Confirm hardware compatibility |
| Create USB Installer | Use Media Creation Tool on another PC |
| Boot from USB | Change BIOS boot order |
| Start Installation | Select language and click Install |
| Enter Product Key | Input or skip for later activation |
| Choose Installation Type | Select Custom for clean install |
| Wait for Setup | Let Windows copy files and install |
| Configure Windows | Set region, account, and preferences |
| Update Drivers & OS | Install latest updates and drivers |
For more detailed help, visit Microsoft’s official guide: How to install Windows 11.
Key Takeaways
- Create Windows 11 installation media using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool and a USB drive.
- Boot your new PC from the USB drive by changing boot order in BIOS settings.
- Complete the setup by following on-screen instructions and activate Windows with a product key.
Preparing for Installation
Before installing Windows 11 on a new PC, proper preparation ensures a smooth installation process. Making sure your hardware meets Microsoft’s requirements and gathering necessary tools will save time and prevent frustration later.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than previous versions. The PC must have at least a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Additionally, the system needs TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
The processor must be 8th generation Intel Core or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer. Graphics cards should be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
To check compatibility on an existing system, users can download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft. This tool scans hardware components and confirms whether the PC meets Windows 11 requirements.
Some older PCs might still install Windows 11 despite not meeting all requirements, but Microsoft doesn’t guarantee updates or support for these systems.
Creating Backup of Important Data
Even when setting up a new PC, backing up data is crucial if transferring from an old system. Users should save important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage (like OneDrive or Google Drive), or another storage device.
Key items to back up include:
- Documents and files from Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders
- Photos and videos from Pictures and Videos folders
- Bookmarks and passwords from web browsers
- Email data if using desktop email clients
- Application settings for frequently used programs
Consider using backup tools like EaseUS Todo Backup or Windows’ built-in backup feature for the old system. These programs can create complete system images or select specific files to back up.
Always verify backups by checking that files are accessible and not corrupted before proceeding with the Windows 11 installation.
Downloading the Windows 11 ISO File
The Windows 11 installation file (ISO) can be obtained directly from Microsoft’s official website. Navigate to the Windows 11 download page and select “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).”
Follow these steps to download the ISO:
- Choose Windows 11 from the dropdown menu
- Select your preferred language
- Click “Confirm” and then “64-bit Download”
- Save the file to an accessible location on your computer
The ISO file is typically around 5GB, so a stable internet connection is recommended. Alternatively, users can download the Media Creation Tool, which streamlines both downloading the ISO and creating installation media.
Always download Windows from official Microsoft sources to avoid malware or corrupted installation files. Third-party websites offering Windows 11 ISOs may contain modified or compromised versions.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
A bootable USB drive serves as the installation media for Windows 11. To create one, users need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB capacity and software like Rufus or the official Media Creation Tool.
Using the Media Creation Tool:
- Run the downloaded tool and accept the license terms
- Select “Create installation media” and click “Next”
- Choose language, edition, and architecture preferences
- Select “USB flash drive” as the media
- Select your inserted USB drive
- Wait for the process to complete (usually 15-30 minutes)
Using Rufus (a third-party alternative):
- Download and open Rufus
- Insert your USB drive and select it in Rufus
- Under “Boot selection,” click “SELECT” and choose the Windows 11 ISO
- Click “START” and wait for completion
The process will erase all data on the USB drive, so back up any important files from it first. Once created, the bootable USB contains all necessary Windows 11 installation files.
Obtaining the Product Key
A valid product key is required to activate Windows 11. Users have several options for obtaining one:
For new PC builds: Purchase a retail Windows 11 license from Microsoft’s website or authorized retailers. These typically cost between $139-199 depending on the edition (Home or Pro).
For upgrades: If upgrading from an activated Windows 10, the digital license transfers automatically to Windows 11 without needing a new key.
For prebuilt systems: Many new computers come with Windows 11 pre-activated or include a product key on a sticker attached to the case or documentation.
The product key is a 25-character code formatted like: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Store this code safely, as it may be needed during installation or for future reinstallations.
Windows can be installed without immediate activation, but certain features will be limited until activated within the grace period.
Installing Windows 11
Installing Windows 11 on a new PC requires a bootable USB drive, proper BIOS setup, and careful attention to the installation process. Following these steps will help users achieve a smooth installation experience.
Setting Up BIOS Configuration
Before installing Windows 11, the system’s BIOS must be properly configured. Users should restart their PC and enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key during startup (often Del, F2, F10, or F12, depending on the motherboard manufacturer).
In the BIOS, two critical settings need adjustment. First, enable TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), which is required for Windows 11. This setting is typically found under the Security tab or Advanced settings.
Second, enable UEFI boot mode instead of Legacy BIOS, as Windows 11 requires UEFI. Users should also disable Secure Boot temporarily during installation.
Lastly, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. This ensures the system will boot from the installation media rather than trying to boot from empty storage drives.
Initiating Windows 11 Installation from USB
Once the BIOS is configured, insert the bootable USB drive containing the Windows 11 installation files. Restart the computer, and it should boot from the USB drive based on the boot order set in BIOS.
When the system boots from the USB, a Windows logo will appear followed by language preference options. Select the appropriate language, time format, and keyboard input method, then click “Next.”
On the next screen, click “Install Now” to begin the Windows 11 installation process. The system will load the necessary files and prepare for installation.
Users will need to enter their product key or select “I don’t have a product key” to continue with the installation and activate Windows later. Then accept the license terms to proceed.
Partitioning the Drive
On the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, all available drives and partitions will be displayed. This is where users make important decisions about how to organize their storage.
For a clean installation on a new PC, select the drive where Windows 11 will be installed. If the drive is new and unformatted, click “New” to create a partition. Windows will recommend a partition size, but users can adjust it as needed.
For systems with multiple drives, it’s best to install Windows on an SSD for faster performance. The recommended partition size for Windows 11 is at least 64GB, though 128GB or more is preferable for future updates.
After creating the partition, select it and click “Format” if needed. Then select the formatted partition and click “Next” to continue with the installation.
Performing a Clean Install
The installation process will now begin copying Windows files to the selected partition. This creates a fresh, clean installation without any previous software or settings.
During this phase, the system will restart several times automatically. Do not remove the USB drive until instructed to do so, as the system may need to access it again during installation.
The installation proceeds through several phases: copying files, installing features, installing updates, and finalizing settings. A progress indicator shows completion percentage for each stage.
This process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the system’s hardware, particularly the speed of the storage drive. SSDs complete the installation much faster than traditional HDDs.
Finalizing the Installation Process
Once the file copying and initial setup are complete, Windows will restart and begin the final configuration process. The system will prompt users to remove the installation media and press any key to boot from the hard drive.
The setup will continue with the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE), where users need to configure their region, keyboard layout, and network connections. Users can connect to Wi-Fi or skip this step to set up later.
Next, create a user account by entering a username and password. Microsoft recommends signing in with a Microsoft account for full functionality, though a local account option is available by selecting “Offline account.”
After completing these steps, Windows will finalize the setup and load the desktop. The final step should be installing motherboard drivers from the manufacturer’s website to ensure all hardware functions properly.
Post-Installation
After installing Windows 11 on a new PC, several important tasks must be completed to ensure the system runs properly. These tasks include activating the software, installing necessary drivers, restoring your data, and configuring important system updates.
Activating Windows 11
Windows 11 requires activation to access all features and receive proper support. Users can activate their copy using a digital license or a product key. If Windows was pre-installed on the PC, it typically activates automatically when connected to the internet.
To check activation status, users should go to Settings > System > Activation. If Windows isn’t activated, they’ll need to enter a valid product key purchased from Microsoft or an authorized retailer.
For those upgrading from an activated Windows 10, the digital license should transfer automatically. If activation issues occur, the troubleshooter in the Activation settings can often resolve common problems.
Business users might need to connect to their organization’s activation server using volume licensing tools provided by their IT department.
Installing Essential Drivers
Proper drivers are crucial for hardware functionality on a new Windows 11 installation. Most basic drivers install automatically through Windows Update, but specialized hardware often requires additional drivers.
Essential drivers to check:
- Graphics card drivers
- Chipset drivers
- Network adapters
- Audio drivers
- Peripheral device drivers
Manufacturer websites for the PC or individual components provide the most up-to-date drivers. Users should visit their computer manufacturer’s support page and enter their model number to find appropriate drivers.
For custom-built PCs, drivers should be downloaded directly from the component manufacturers. Graphics card drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel are particularly important for optimal performance.
Windows Device Manager helps identify hardware with missing drivers. Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager” to check for devices marked with yellow exclamation marks.
Restoring Data and Installed Programs
After Windows 11 is running properly, users should restore their personal files and reinstall necessary applications. Files can be transferred from a backup on an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another computer.
Methods for data restoration:
- Direct copy from external storage
- Windows File History (if previously configured)
- Cloud storage sync (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
- Windows backup and restore utility
For installed programs, users need to reinstall applications from original installation media, download sites, or app stores. Microsoft Store provides easy access to many applications.
Some applications may require license keys or login credentials. Users should have this information ready before reinstallation begins.
Consider using a checklist of needed programs to ensure nothing is missed during the reinstallation process.
Windows Update Configuration
Configuring Windows Update properly ensures the system remains secure and performs optimally. New Windows 11 installations should immediately check for and install the latest updates.
To access Windows Update, go to Settings > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates” to find the latest system patches and security updates.
Users can choose active hours to prevent updates from interrupting work. This setting tells Windows when not to restart for updates.
Optional updates like feature updates and driver updates should be reviewed individually. These may include updated drivers for specific hardware components.
For bandwidth management, users can limit update download speeds by going to Advanced options in Windows Update settings. This helps prevent updates from consuming all available internet bandwidth.
Consider enabling automatic driver updates through Windows Update for simpler maintenance, though some users prefer manual driver control for specialized hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing Windows 11 on a new PC involves several considerations, from hardware requirements to installation methods. Here are answers to common questions that arise during the setup process.
What are the system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a new PC?
Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores. The PC must have at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space.
The system needs a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. A display with at least 720p resolution that’s larger than 9 inches diagonally is required.
TPM version 2.0 and UEFI secure boot capability are mandatory requirements that often cause compatibility issues with older hardware.
Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free, or do I need to purchase a license?
Windows 11 is free for existing Windows 10 users with a valid license. The free upgrade option is available through Windows Update for compatible devices.
For a new PC without an operating system, users will need to purchase a Windows 11 license. OEM licenses are typically less expensive but are tied to the hardware they’re activated on.
Microsoft offers different editions including Home, Pro, and Enterprise with varying features and price points.
What steps should I follow to prepare my computer for a Windows 11 installation?
Back up important files and documents to an external drive or cloud storage before beginning installation. This prevents data loss if something goes wrong.
Check that the PC meets all system requirements using Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. This tool will identify any compatibility issues.
Update BIOS/UEFI to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website. Many older systems need BIOS updates to support Windows 11’s security requirements.
How can I create a bootable USB drive to install Windows 11 on a new computer?
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. This tool helps create installation media for Windows 11.
Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage and run the Media Creation Tool. Select “Create installation media for another PC” and follow the prompts.
After the tool completes the process, the USB drive will be bootable. Users can then insert it into the new PC and boot from USB to begin installation.
Can Windows 11 be installed directly from the BIOS environment, and if so, how?
Windows 11 cannot be installed directly from within the BIOS/UEFI environment itself. The BIOS is simply a low-level system interface.
Users need to access the BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order to prioritize the installation media (USB or DVD). This is typically done by pressing a key like F2, F12, or Delete during startup.
After setting the boot priority, save changes and exit the BIOS. The computer will restart and boot from the installation media to begin the Windows 11 setup process.
If I do not have a USB drive, what are my options for installing Windows 11 on a new PC?
DVD installation is possible if the computer has an optical drive. The Media Creation Tool can burn a Windows 11 installation DVD.
Network installation is an option in some environments. IT administrators can deploy Windows 11 through Windows Deployment Services or similar tools.
Cloud installation through Windows 365 provides a virtual Windows 11 environment, though this requires a subscription and doesn’t install directly on the local hardware.
